The statue that pays homage to the beloved racehorse that died at Eldridge Driving Park on Oct. 2, 1875, was unveiled Friday at the 2015 season’s grand opening ceremony of Eldridge Park.

American Girl’s debut race at Eldridge was on the upswing until about a quarter-mile into the race when the filly dropped dead. Veterinarians later discovered American Girl had congested lungs and died of over-exertion.

The statue was erected in the Elmira park the following year. Then, in 1980, vandals destroyed the piece of history, leaving it in 147 pieces. However, for the past year and nine months, three men took on the challenge of restoring the 12-foot statue.

American Girl was stored in Tom Baty’s Gillett barn. Neighbor Paul Pautz assisted with bodywork and Elmira Heights native Robert Spallone used his skills of restoring antique cars to focus on bodywork and painting.

“It’s really no different than working on a car,” Spallone said.

The statue will remain in storage until funds for a glass house are raised, Eldridge Park Carousel Preservation Society officials said, but it will be displayed occasionally.

Also on the agenda for the park’s grand opening was a memorial carousel ride set to Enya’s song, “Only time.”

If You Go

Eldridge Park is open from 5-9 p.m. Fridays, noon to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon to 8 p.m. Sundays until August. Additionally, Eldridge Park will be open from noon to 8 p.m. Memorial Day.